Health services in retail

Health services are increasingly becoming part of brick-and-mortar retail concepts – from blood tests to skin analyses to medical supply stores inside electronics retailers. Behind this trend is a growing openness among consumers: according to a Deloitte study, 60% could imagine using health services in retail settings. Drugstores are seen as particularly trustworthy providers (39%), followed by shopping centers (25%) and supermarkets (17%). The following three examples show how retail companies are already integrating health services into their offerings today.

Since summer 2025, drugstore chain dm launched several pilot programs with Skleo Health, dermanostic, and Aware Health in August 2025. The blood-test pilot with Aware has since ended; eye screenings and digital skin analysis continue to be offered at select stores.

The portfolio includes eye screenings, a free AI-powered skin analysis, and blood tests administered by trained staff. dermanostic's AI skin analysis captures skin type, skin condition, and UV sensitivity from a photo and generates tailored care recommendations from dm's product range, with an optional online dermatologist appointment. Results from the eye and blood tests are made available digitally within 24 to 72 hours.

Since December 2025, dm has also operated a mail-order pharmacy under the name dm-med. At launch, the range included around 2,500 prescription-free but pharmacy-only medications, along with other pharmacy-exclusive products.

Since July 2025, health service provider rahm has operated a shop-in-shop space inside the MediaMarkt store in Düren. The pilot project integrates health services directly into an electronics retail environment, combining personal consultation with the reach and extended hours of an electronics store.

The offering includes aids in the areas of foot care, compression, mobility, and orthotics, complemented by digital services such as foot scans and gait analyses that support individualized care.

The concept illustrates how partnerships can create new service offerings and potentially expand retail spaces to include additional consultation and care services.

With a pilot project in Mosbach, Kaufland is combining grocery shopping with telemedicine. In In Sana's "S Medical Room," customers can take part in video consultations with physicians, while on-site medical staff perform examinations such as blood pressure checks or EKGs and support the treatment process.

The goal of the pilot program is to make health care easier to incorporate into daily life – particularly by providing low-barrier access in regions with limited medical services.

These examples show that health services are not only expanding the service offerings of brick-and-mortar retail but can also provide benefits for a range of stakeholders:

• Customers: Health services can be combined with everyday shopping. Video consultations or on-site examinations can also provide additional care options, particularly in regions with fewer medical services available.
• Retailers: Additional services can strengthen customer loyalty and create touchpoints for further purchases – for example, when dm's skin analysis recommends matching care products from its assortment.
• Health partners: Partnerships with retailers open up additional reach and make it possible to offer services during retail's often longer business hours.

Trust, qualified partners, and easy access are key to acceptance. According to Deloitte, short wait times, digital appointment booking, and integration into existing shopping routines play a particularly important role. Whether the current pilot projects will become established in the long term remains to be seen in the coming years.